Veteran actress Madhuri Dixit, a beloved icon of Indian cinema, recently took a nostalgic journey through her illustrious career, marking nearly four decades in the film industry. In an exclusive conversation, she drew a vivid contrast between the filmmaking processes of her early days and the present, highlighting a monumental shift towards organization and preparation.
From Spontaneity Under the Sun to Scripted Precision
Reflecting on her debut in the 1984 film 'Abodh' and looking ahead to her upcoming drama 'Mrs Deshpande', Dixit noted a sea change in how movies are made. She recalled that in the 80s and 90s, the industry was largely unorganized, with only a handful of producers like Yash Chopra, B R Chopra, Subhash Ghai, and Rajshri Productions known for their systematic approach. "The rest was pretty unorganized," she stated.
"Back then, we relied more on spontaneity; today, we can prepare for a role," the 'Dhak Dhak' girl explained to IANS. She emphasized that actors now receive scripts well in advance and benefit from amenities like RVs (Recreational Vehicles) for comfort between shots—a far cry from the past where artists would often wait "under the sun, with an umbrella over our heads."
The Modern Focus on Actor Comfort and Character Prep
Madhuri elaborated on how the current ecosystem prioritizes an actor's comfort and detailed character development. "The comfort of the actor is taken care of, and also because the character is so prepared that you know what you are going to wear, you know what your look is going to be," she said.
She highlighted practices that are now standard but were absent earlier: "We do a lot of prep for the roles, we have readings, which never used to happen then." This structured preparation allows for a deeper immersion into the character, a luxury not always available during the more improvisational era of her initial years.
Choosing Roles with Excitement and Creative Integrity
Addressing her selective appearances on screen in recent times, the 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' star revealed her current philosophy for choosing projects. "Well, I want to do roles that are exciting," Madhuri declared. She seeks characters that ignite her passion every morning, making her eager to go to work.
Her criteria are clear: she wants to collaborate with directors who have a strong vision. She specifically mentioned filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor, director of 'Mrs Deshpande', stating, "I want to work with filmmakers like Nagesh, who I know will do justice with the characters that they have." This discerning approach underscores her desire for quality and meaningful work over mere visibility.
Madhuri Dixit's reflections offer a fascinating lens into the transformation of Bollywood—from its charmingly chaotic past to its current, more professional and actor-centric present. Her journey from 'Abodh' to 'Mrs Deshpande' encapsulates this evolution, driven by her enduring passion for compelling storytelling.
